The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research remarks that the prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth declined in the early 1970s to mid-1990s. This trend is likely to change with recent developments.

1. Children's Crossing Pediatric Dentistry
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(801) 766-4900
Untreated Tooth Decay in
Low-Income Children:
The Necessity for Dental
Sealants

2. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research remarks that the
prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth declined in the early 1970s to mid-
1990s. This trend is likely to change with recent developments.
Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
stated that 60% of children are suffering from tooth decay because of their
inaccessibility to dental sealants. They are three times more likely to develop
cavities than those who have sealants.
Untreated Tooth Decay: Common Among Children with Low-Income
Families
The CDC further revealed that children from lower-income families are more
prone to have untreated tooth decay. The organization adds that tooth decay is
one of the most common chronic diseases in children and leaving it untreated
may result in difficulties with eating, learning, and speaking.
With the prevalence of dental caries in children, the most common treatment
they can undergo is through the application of dental sealants. Unfortunately,
children who come from low-income families do not have the means to
undergo this procedure.

3. This is why the health protection agency wants schools to offer sealant
treatments. Sealants for close to seven million low income children can save up
to $300 million in dental care costs.
Dental Sealants for Children
Brushing and flossing are part of proper oral health routine that will prevent
tooth decay in both children and adults. Without the help of dentists, however,
it is impossible to reach the molars or the teeth at the back. These are prone
accumulating food particles that may promote the growth of cavity-causing
bacteria.
Sealants reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. The thin, plastic
coating covers the holes produced by the acids left by food particles. The
purpose of sealants is to stop bacteria and acid from settling on teeth.

4. Sources:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants
https://www.childrenscrossing.com/
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6541e1.htm
http://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2016-10-18/more-low-income-
kids-need-dental-sealants-cdc
Children, no matter which economic background they belong to, should get
proper oral treatment to maintain healthy teeth. Without the help of schools
and relevant organizations, children might suffer from tooth decay and risk
other dental-related conditions.